Oct 3 • Business, Traveling • 555 Views • Comments Off on Travel for Business and Pleasure With Four Money-Saving Tips

Global outreach is made more accessible than ever thanks to the growth of the travel industry and the expansion of modern technology. Although these advances have made business travel more accommodating for companies of all sizes, many professional travelers find themselves restricted by a tight budget when traveling for business. Even though the company may cover the bulk of your travel expenses, you still might find yourself struggling to cover all of the little things that keep coming up during the trip. To spread your dollar (or whatever currency is taken at your destination) further on your business trips, consider the following tips.

1. Look for Coupons

Couponing is a major deal in the U.S., but it’s also quite popular overseas as well. Coupon suppliers for overseas travelers can be found in many of the same online destinations where you find coupon codes for your purchases at home, and can be easily printed and redeemed for your trip. Before you take off, research the local businesses in the area you’ll be staying in and look for coupons or promotions for these business. You can also cut off huge monetary chunks from major expenses by finding coupons for lodging, transportation and air fare in the event that your company doesn’t cover all of these costs.

2. Pack Light

Many airlines charge a hefty fee for checked baggage, while most allow one carry-on item free of charge. Take advantage of this fact by packing all of your essential items into just one convenient and compact piece of luggage for your trip. Even if it’s an extended trip, you can still make do by packing versatile clothing pieces and taking advantage of local laundromats to avoid being weighed down during your trip. Packing light will also help you check in to the airport and your hotel quicker, which limits stress and saves time during your business trip.

3. Book Early

Your airline will reward you for planning in advance because it also gives them time to plan in advance as well. Although sometimes business travel opportunities come up at the last minute, you’ll generally have plenty of time beforehand to reserve your ticket well before your trip. If possible, avoid purchasing tickets on peak travel days, such as weekends and around major holidays. In the event that you do have to make a last-minute flight, consider red-eyes or even standby flights to get the best rate possible.

4. Research Transportation Options Beforehand

When you’re quickly trying to get from point A to point B at your destination, you may shovel out big bucks for the cab fare without giving it a second thought. Although it may require more planning and a higher upfront expense, renting a car is often the more economic option when compared with taxi cabs and shuttles. However, if you want to limit this expense even more, you can consider public transportation opportunities, such as riding the bus. If possible, carpool with another professional from your company to cut your costs in half without sacrificing comfort.

Traveling for business often has you pressed for time, which is one of the main reasons that your wallet often takes a hit for these experiences. Planning is key when it comes to saving money for your trip, which is why this factor should be the highest priority for your trip. The tips above can help you plan in the most time and cost-efficient manner, so your business trip can aim for the same goal as the company you represent: minimizing expenses and maximizing profit.